The Federal Government and Lagos State have joined forces to launch a nationwide crackdown on unsafe buildings, aiming to address the alarming trend of collapses that have resulted in numerous fatalities in recent years.
Under the National Building Safety and Structural Integrity Initiative (NBSSII), the government will conduct a nationwide audit of existing structures, enforce uniform inspection and certification standards, and implement real-time monitoring using e-GIS mapping technology.
Housing and Urban Development Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, announced these measures during a keynote address at a workshop on NBSSII held in Lagos. Represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore, Dangiwa noted that building collapses often stem from poor designs, substandard materials, and inadequate enforcement of regulations.
“Every building collapse is not just about the lives lost but also about the broken trust between government, professionals, and citizens. We must restore that trust by ensuring that every structure meets safety standards from design to completion,” he stated.
The workshop, organized by Lagos State in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, aimed to enhance public awareness and compliance in the building sector. Hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Tafawa Balewa Square, the event brought together senior officials, regulatory agencies, industry experts, and professional associations to create a unified strategy for safer construction practices.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the partnership as a significant step in combating unsafe buildings. He highlighted Lagos’ Certified Structural Integrity Programme (CSIP) as a model for other states, emphasizing that shared responsibility among professionals, regulators, and the public is crucial for sustainable safety.
“We must build for life, not for collapse. This is not just about compliance; it is about protecting our people and safeguarding our cities for generations to come,” Sanwo-Olu asserted.
The NBSSII will commence with pilot audits in high-risk states before expanding nationwide. Authorities have indicated that strict penalties will be enforced for non-compliance, alongside public sensitization campaigns to educate citizens on their role in maintaining structural safety.
